100 Ways to Lose Weight 

Diwali is a magical festival of lights. Diwali: what is celebrated in India at the festival of lights

Delhi (2 nights) - Jaipur (2 nights) - Galta - Abhaneri - Agra (2 nights) - Gwalior - Orchha (1 night) - Khajuraho (2 nights) - Raneh Fall - Delhi

A unique program that takes place in the states of northern and central India, acquaints not only with historical and architectural monuments, but also with the culture, traditions, holidays and spiritual life of Great India.
And also a visit to the unique temple complex "KAJURAHO". Khajuraho is one of the few places in India included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This village is famous throughout the world for erotic sculptures that adorn local temples. Perhaps it is impossible to find another such place on earth, where life in all its manifestations would be celebrated with the same joy and talent.
A special decoration of this program is the festival of Diwali or Deepavali, which in Sanskrit means "bunch of fire" - a festival of lights, widely celebrated in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. The main theme of the festival scenery is luminous lanterns, lights, fireworks and lighted candles decorating statues of animals and gods.

Tour duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Tour dates:

Tour program:

Day 00. Delhi

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation, rest.
Delhi the capital of India is the third largest city in the world with a population of about 15 million people. Its strategic location at the crossroads has played a key role in the country's history; many empires have sprung up here. Monuments of the past are found throughout the city and are often adjacent to the towers of skyscrapers.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 01. Delhi

Tour of the Indian capital
Overview: Red Fort, Friday Jama Masjid Mosque, Chandni Chowk District and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Park, Gateway of India, Parliament Building and Presidential Palace. Visit: the unique stepped wells of Agrasen, which supplied the city with water in ancient times, as well as the Dhobi Ghat laundry, where to this day they wash according to the old method, the Hindu temple of Lakshmi Narayan, the Sik Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Visit a tea shop with a wide range of high quality teas from all over India.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02. Delhi - Jaipur

Continuation of the excursion in Delhi: Visit: the Akshardham temple - the largest and richest Hindu temple in India, the snow-white Lotus Temple - which gathers believers of different religions under its dome, the Qutub Minar minaret and the famous stainless column.
Moving to the city of "One Thousand and One Nights" Jaipur (275 km), here to this day the color of the Middle Ages has been preserved, palaces, colorful bazaars, ancient temples recreate a vivid picture of the rich historical past, and the architectural ensemble of buildings of the pink color of the old city emphasizes its second name as "Pink city".
In the evening, colorful dinner with national dances.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 03. Jaipur

Visit the majestic Amber Fort, rising on a high hill, which for a long time served as a citadel and palace of the book dynasty of the Maharajas. Here the rulers lived in the luxury of palaces among mirrored halls, lush gardens and spent their time in joy and entertainment. The rulers ascended to the fort astride elephants in colorful palanquins. The elephant is a symbol of the Knagh India, everyone who arrives here will have the opportunity to climb the fort astride an elephant, feeling like a great ruler for a while.
A visit to the luxurious park complex "Kanak Garden", now a favorite place for filming musical and dance numbers for Bollywood, where you can try on national costumes and take a picture for memory.
Sightseeing tour of the Pink City: the "water palace" Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds) which was intended for the women of the prince's harem, the white marble temple of Lakshmi Narayan, visiting the pompous halls and museums of the City Palace, where the prince lives to this day family of maharajas.
Textile, souvenir and jewelry stores.
Diwali Night: This evening the sky will be illuminated with thousands of lights and fireworks. The air will shake from the explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 04. Jaipur - Galta - Abhaneri - Agra

A visit to the scenic temple complex of Galt, where the sacred, healing springs are located in the gorge of the mountains and ancient temples that are famous for their frescoes. These places have become a haven for monkeys, which are very friendly to parishioners and can be hand-fed.
Moving to Abhaneri(80 km) Visit to the village of Abhaneri, which houses the world famous stepped well, which was built in the 9th century by a local ruler. Chand Baori, this incredibly beautiful square, stone structure is 13 floors connected by symmetrical steps that lead to the bottom of a 20 meter well.
Moving to Agra(160 km). The legendary city, the capital of the Great Mughals, which gained worldwide fame thanks to the architectural masterpiece of the mausoleum Taj Mahal... Arrival to Agra. Hotel accommodation. Relaxation.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 05. Agra

Visit the legendary Red Fort, which for a long time served as the residence of the Great Emperors, the tomb of Bibi - Taj and the tomb of the Great Emperor Akbar in Sikandra.
In the evening, if desired, attend a theatrical performance, this is a spectacular story about the creation of the Taj Mahal, with traditional songs and dances.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 06. Agra - Gwalior - Orchha

Early morning visit to the eighth wonder of the world, the white marble mausoleum Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world, dedicated to the great power of love forever living for centuries.
Transfer to Gwalior (110 km). Inspection of the majestic Fort Gwalior located at the top of a hundred-meter hill of sandstone and basalt, its imposing walls with bastions shelter wonderful palace and temple buildings. Jain caves with giant sculptures are a special decoration of the fort.
Transfer to Orchkha (120 km). A small town on the banks of a picturesque river with a rich historical past. After all, when the capital of the principality of Bundelkhand was located here, the centuries-old history has preserved to this day the memory of the times of greatness and splendor. Arrival to Orchkha. Hotel accommodation.
Overnight in Orchkha.

Day 07. Orchha - Khajuraho

Inspection of the palace and temple sights of Orchkha. Orchkha has a medieval atmosphere. The Betva River peacefully flows past 16th century palaces and temples that seem frozen in time. Visit to Fort Orchhi, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Ram Raja Temple.
Moving to Khajuraho(175 km). The world famous village, where the Kama Sutra temples are located, which depict sexual positions and erotic scenes from human life. Khajuraho is a symbol of erotic sculpture, which is presented here in a variety of forms and grace of execution.
Hotel accommodation.
In the evening, optional visit to the cultural program Dances of India.
Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 08. Khajuraho - Panna National Park

Safari to Panna National Park (50 km), where you will touch the wildlife of India: herds of deer, leopards, crocodiles, peacocks, monkeys and the spectacular Pandav Falls. Return to Khajuraho.
Inspection of ancient temple complexes, known for their erotic sculptural compositions from the treatise on love in the Kamasutra, scenes on the walls of the temples reflect the sensitive moments of sexual life and are a visual guide to the world of eroticism and love relationships.
In the evening, if you wish, visit the light and music show of the Khajuraho temples.
Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 09. Khajuraho - Raneh Fall - Delhi

Excursion to Raneh Fal canyon(20 km), amazing waterfalls and a canyon in the crater of an extinct volcano, which are located in the pristine jungle, this is where the shooting of the world famous film Kama Sutra took place.
Transfer to Jhansi railway station and train transfer to Delhi, in an air-conditioned carriage. Arrival in Delhi at 23.30
Completion of the program and transfer to the airport.
Departure from Delhi in the morning 11/14/2018.

Cost per person in US dollars:

Hotels according to the program:
Delhi: sk pemium, park hotel anila
Agra: taj vilas, howard plaza - the fern
Jaipur: paradise
Orchkha: amar mahal palace - palace, raj mahal - palace
Khajuraho: clarks khajuraho

* or equivalent

Included in cost

  • Transfers along the entire route in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Mineral water in the car, 1 bottle per person per day.
  • Accommodation in hotels with breakfast and dinner based on double occupancy.
  • Russian-speaking guide - accompanying the entire route.
  • Dinner with national dances in Jaipur.
  • A set of sparklers for the DIVALI holiday.
  • A gift from the company.
  • Jhansi-Delhi train tickets (air-conditioned tourist class carriage).
  • All taxes and fees.

Not included in the price

  • International air travel
  • Honey. insurance ($ 1 per day per person)
  • Lunches.
  • Entrance fees to museums, elephant trekking in Jaipur, monuments, parks, safari, show programs.
  • The right to photo and video filming, obligatory tips to porters, guides, drivers.
  • Other personal expenses.
  • Everything that is not indicated in the section "is included in the price of the tour."

Each country has its own ethnic holidays, which the population is proud of. This is a part of culture, an event through which you can learn many interesting facts about the state, its history and formation. Such celebrations are known all over the world, and often tourists come specially to this or that country to see with their own eyes everything that happens. Diwali in India is one such celebration. Diwali or Deepavali is a festival of lights and is dedicated to the goddess of happiness and wealth Lakshmi. It is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Deepavali is considered the main Hindu festival that is celebrated everywhere in India.

What the event looks like

Diwali in India is associated with fireworks and lights. From Sanskrit, its name is translated as a bunch of fire, which is why on the days when the event takes place, rural and city streets are illuminated with thousands of fireworks and lights. Explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers are discharged in the air. Statues of gods and streets of settlements are decorated with lighted candles and flickering lanterns (Dipa).

During the celebration, people adhere to old traditions - Hindus dress up in new toilets, clean their homes, put lighted ones near the entrances to houses and decorate the thresholds with garlands of flowers. On such days, it is necessary to refrain from five basic vices: greed, lust, disposition, anger and ego, which means the purification of one's own words, actions and thoughts.

In today's India, Diwali is considered a New Year's holiday. As a rule, it falls at the end of October - beginning of November. The celebration coincides with the arrival of winter and the end of the monsoon season. The exact date of the celebration is influenced by the location of the moon, so each year it takes place on a different day.

Legend of the origin of the holiday

Diwali in India began to be celebrated several centuries ago. Many different legends are associated with such a wonderful event. Thus, there is a belief that the festival is closely related to the victory of Krishna over Narakasura, a demonic creature who was involved in the abduction of Indian princesses. managed to defeat the demon, and in honor of this the people greeted him with lighted lanterns, torches and lamps. It was from here that the custom arose to light oil lanterns, torches, fireworks and candles everywhere on this day, which are located near the statues of sacred animals and gods.

If you believe other Jewish legends, then Diwali is associated with the Wall, people paint on her honor on the eve of the event, acquire accessories for rituals, food and gold in order for Lakshmi to give them wealth and abundance in return.

There is also an opinion that Diwali is a holiday in honor of the glorification of the celebration of his accession to the throne, as well as a just and wise reign.

Territorial features of Deepavali

Diwali in India has its own characteristics in each territory. In the western part of the country, it is customary to clean apartments and workplaces on this day. And in the evening, the windows of private mansions and shops glow with all kinds of electrical appliances, lamps and lanterns.

Persons who believe that Diwali is associated with Lakshmi also carry out general cleaning on the day of the holiday, pray, light fires and make gifts to the goddess in the form of milk with coins dipped in it. At night, doors and windows are not locked so that the goddess can freely enter the house if she wants to.

In South India, it is believed that Deepavali is an event timed to coincide with the victory of Krishna over the demon. On this day, every Hindu applies coconut oil to his body, comparing the ritual to bathing in the sacred and getting rid of sins.

But in the east of the country, on such a significant day, they worship the goddess Kale, who personifies the cult of strength. For ten days, they pray and bow before the images of the deity, and then immerse them in reservoirs.

Festival-related customs

The Diwali festival of lights in India lasts for five days. At this time, the whole country turns into a colorful and unforgettable fire show. The lights of the celebration illuminate the hearts of people not only with colorful shades, but also with goodness, since these days it is customary to present gifts, help those in need and, in general, show attention to everyone around. No other holiday in India is given such a huge number of gifts as they do in Deepavali. The owners of grocery stores in honor of the festival arrange sales for those who cannot afford to buy expensive food at other times. It is customary to treat neighbors with all kinds of sweet delicacies.

During the Diwali period, it is customary to spend money on neighbors, acquaintances and friends. Coins depicting the deities Lakshmi and Ganesha are especially popular. Various outlandish souvenirs, jewelry and art objects are also popular. Dried fruits and sweets these days are sold and presented in a variety of baskets. With the help of such surprises, people show respect and love to their dear and close people. During the festivities, no one should be left unattended or left out.

The first day of the festival

Diwali, the festival of light and fire in India, as already mentioned, is celebrated for five days, each of which is dedicated to a certain legend. So, the first day is the most important and it is called Dhanvantari. This is the main incarnation of Vishnu. The Hindus are sure that the main deity appeared on this day and presented them with the nectar of immortality. Ayurvedic knowledge was the very nectar. The first day of the festival is a period of prayer, health and sacrifice: a ritual offering of food (puja) to the god Vishnu is performed.

Second day activities

We have already explained what the Diwali holiday in India means, and now we will explain what events take place during the second day of the celebration. It was at this time, according to legend, that Krishna defeated Narakasura. In the morning, it is customary to perform ablutions with apomarg branches. The big boss, the head of the country or the mayor of the locality is obliged to light the lamp in the temple of Krishna, thus marking the comfort and peaceful prosperity among the citizens. In some regions, people put cinnabar stripes on their foreheads, because it is believed that having cast down the demon, Krishna smeared his face with his blood. The second day of the holiday is filled with the joy of cleansing.

Lakshmi Puja - the third day of celebrations

Photos of Diwali in India are presented in our description. In it we will also tell you how the third day of the festival goes. This is the time when Lakshmi is also worshiped. Ganesha is a deity with an extraordinary appearance: the head of an elephant sits on a human body and there are two pairs of hands. God is the personification of success, wisdom, and prosperity.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. On the day of Lakshmi Puja, fires are lit in houses to attract wealth, peace and good fortune. Believers are aware of the experiences they have had.

Last two days

We have already examined the general meaning of the Diwali holiday in India, now we will find out what the last two days of this celebration mean. Govardhan Puja, the fourth day of the festival, is of particular importance for the population of the northern regions. This is the day of remembrance of Krishna, who protected people from Indra. Govardhan is the name of a small hill in Brajda. On holiday it is decorated with garlands and flowers. On the eve of the night people are in the temple, and in the morning they cook many, many food, which is then offered to Krishna.

Bhau Bij - the fifth day is usually celebrated in the company of sisters and brothers. The sisters pray for the brothers' luck, for which they shower them with compliments and treat them with sweets. On this day, Brother and Sister Yama and Yami meet each other. Yama is a symbol of the Sun, and Yami is a symbol of the Moon.

Celebrating together

Diwali in India in 2016 began to be celebrated on October 30. Just because this is a Hindu event does not mean that you cannot take part in it. It's already late this year, but next 2017 the beginning of Deepavali falls on October 19, and you can arrange such a celebration for yourself.

Before organizing a holiday, you should study detailed information about it: read literature, watch films dedicated to the celebration. Then you need to go shopping. In India, jewelry and tableware are usually bought. You can buy gifts for yourself and people dear to you.

Before the first day of the celebration, it is necessary to do a general cleaning in the house and in the office. Wash everything dirty, disassemble the documentation, put things in order in every room. Be sure to decorate the entrance to the house with a multi-colored rangoli pattern or elements with it. You can hang bells, tapestries, LED lights, flower garlands, and other decorations. If you succeed, you can buy ready-made wooden rangoli - ornaments made of wood, painted with traditional ones. After all this, you can light lanterns, launch firecrackers and try to feel the real atmosphere of Indian Diwali.

An ancient Indian holiday with deep spiritual roots, it arose from religious rituals as a celebration of fire and light. Its celebration always takes place in late October early November, when the harvest is harvested, and everything that the Indian land abounds in is offered on the holiday. Thousands of oil lamps, fireworks, lavish feasts, fragrant flowers and lotus figures carved out of colored sand adorn India in this annual celebration of homecoming, Diwali.

Lighting the way home

Rama must return home, and Hindus everywhere are on the move to help him. Illuminating the path with thousands of oil lamps during the five-day Festival of Lights, or Diwali, in honor of the Hindu god. The West sees it as an Indian version of Christmas, a time of intimate celebration of the soul and pure joy of children. In form, like Christmas, it is a religious holiday, open to all who wish to take part in it, at the most abundant time of the year. And according to the meaning, behind the visible eye of the festival of flowers and lights, Diwali has a deep spiritual meaning - the awakening of its inner light.

Diwali is several thousand years old, as is the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu text whose name means “The Story of Rama.” During his exile, Rama fought demons in dark forests and resisted the temptations of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king. With the help of the monkey god Hanuman, Rama led an army of monkeys to defeat Ravana and save his princess Sita. Hindus celebrate their return home by lighting their path; everyone else celebrates it as a celebration of abundance.

Order, food and fireworks

Diwali takes place in the fall and marks the end of India's harvest season and the start of a new fiscal year. Life in India revolves around the agrarian calendar, and during this time of year, people pay debts and pray for a good harvest. Soon, in the coming new year, new seeds will be sown in the ground. Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty, wealth and prosperity, plays a central role in the celebration of Diwali because worshiping her can bring happiness to all the pious. Diwali is a Hindu festival, but Sikhs and Jains also observe this festival, making the celebration truly universal.

The first two days of Diwali are mainly focused on preparation, the first is devoted to cleaning the house, the second to decorating it. Day three is pivotal, with epic lavish feasts and fireworks poised to rival the May 9 celebrations or Russia's victory over the Dutch in the European Cup quarterfinals. On the fourth day, friends and relatives visit their families and come with gifts. On the fifth and last day, a very specific ritual takes place, the brothers visit their married sisters, who prepare a sumptuous return meal.

Autumn is a particularly good time to visit India after the summer heat and before the heavy monsoons. The houses of the Indians are filled with garlands of fragrant jasmine flowers, lamps and candles, and the entrance is decorated with panels of multi-colored sand instead of rugs. Strands of colored lights sweep the business districts and women wear the finest and brightest sarees in their colors.


Light and good

As befits a festival of light, all sorts of torches, kerosene lamps and fireworks illuminate the night sky. For all Hindus, light represents the triumph of good over evil, although the legends are different everywhere, and the Ramayana is revered more in Northern India, Diwali is the time of unity. The essence of this holiday is true for all cultures.

As much as the celebration of Diwali is beautiful for the eyes, the spiritual meaning is just as deep and symbolic - Diwali is the awareness of inner light. Through higher knowledge we can dispel ignorance and awaken our Atman, the pure and infinite spirit. This is the victory of the light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Use Diwali as a personal opportunity to conclude inner peace. Greet the good spirits - Lakshmi, happiness and good fortune, Hanuman, help and Ganesha, the destroyer of obstacles. Cleanse the old and the light of your life will be renewed.

The people of India are extremely warm and welcoming during Diwali - bad luck will punish anyone who is not benevolent at this time of year. The doors of most houses are open and illuminated by lamps, creating an all-pervading atmosphere of hospitality. This is the largest festival in India, full of awe and good humor. Remember: this is the time of the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness. Let your best aspirations guide you.


Advice

Arrive a couple of days in advance to settle down and explore the area. Diwali completely closes most of the retail outlets.

Find the place you want to be and stay there... Let circumstances or intuition be your guide because Diwali is an open time. See what your mind and heart is opening up to you.

Eat homemade food... Try to find an Indian family to invite you to Diwali dinner. Bring candles and fireworks in gratitude.

Create a lotus flower from colored sand or petals under your door... It will welcome good mood and good luck to your home.

Practical aspects

The holiday is celebrated everywhere, you can go to any state. The most famous hosts of Diwali are Bombay, Delhi, Varanasi and Jaipur.

How to get there: direct plane to Delhi, connecting flights anywhere in the country or charter to Dabolim, Goa airport.

About Diwali. What is accompanied by Diwali

दिवाली - Diwali in Hindi
In translation - a fiery bunch. According to scientists, the age of the holiday is at least 7 thousand years.
One of the brightest and most important holidays in India, during which it turns into a land of fire.
In squares, parks, squares, stunning patterns are created from the flame of small candles.


Indian families prepare for Diwali in advance. The preparations are somewhat similar to the pre-New Year bustle in Russia. Hindus clean houses and apartments from excess rubbish, wash, clean, carry out general cleaning of the premises.
Set the table. Many sweets are baked.
It is customary to treat neighbors, friends, guests with goodies.
They decorate their homes, statues of the Gods, temples, houses, streets, rivers, ponds, benches, benches, trees, bushes and everything, everything, everything around with burning lamps.


Workers rickshaws carefully wrap the vehicles with sparkling garlands.
Playful children all evening lights firecrackers and frolics in their fireworks.


Young boys and girls take to the streets and light lamps in the neighborhood.

Merchants light dozens of candles at the entrances to souvenir, cosmetic and grocery stores and shower the goods with flower petals, thereby attracting good luck to their store.

And countless flickering lanterns (the Chinese brought it in) rush into the starry dome of the sky.

The Diwali holiday symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. On this day, they praise and illuminate the path of the great Goddess Lakshmi - the mother of all Hindus on Earth.
Many Gods are known in India. Fire is the vehicle for communication with your God. Particular attention is paid to prayers in front of figures of deities. Sometimes, after the rituals, divine figures, along with lighted candles, are lowered into the river.
The Festival of Lights is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by Sikhs and Jains all over the world.
And not only in India, but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Suriname.

Five days of Diwali in India: what the Hindus are doing these days

Diwali lasts 5 days. Each of the days has its own celebration.
Lighting of ritual lamps, giving gifts to relatives and friends, prayers and praise of Goddess Lakshmi, recollection of the legend about Rama and Sita, receiving the parents' blessing for the planned business.

Day 1: Dhanvantari Triodashi

According to the ancient epic, God Dhanvantari brought to India 9 treatises of Indian medical science, which we know as Ayurveda.
Therefore, on the first day of the holiday of Diwali, they glorify this God, pray and bring gifts, flowers, and lighted candles to his statues.

Day 2. Narak Chaturdashi

Celebrating the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Day 3 (the most important). Lakshmi Puja or Diwali.

The whole country flares up with billions of lights on the third day.
Each hostess believes that Goddess Lakshmi will look into her house for a light and that house where there is not a speck of dust, everything is smartly decorated and many treats are cooked up - Lakshmi will send happiness, health, wealth, love and many years of life.
Doors are not closed at night.
It is on the third day that lanterns, electric garlands and torches are lit on the streets. This is how the Hindus illuminate the path of Goddess Lakshmi to their homes.
Songs are played in the temples. The drums are beating in the streets.
A widespread atmosphere of joy and fun. All of India sings and dances at the Diwali festival.

Day 4. Govardhan Puja

The worship of Govardhan Hill and King Bali Maharaja is performed.
The deities wash and put on new clothes.
In temples, puja rituals are performed - offering food, water, garlands of flowers.

Day 5. Bhratri-duja

The Diwali holiday ends with the arrival of brothers to visit their sisters and express their love and respect to them. Incense is lit in the houses.

What does the mantra mean: "om mani pad me hum"

The Diwali celebration is accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
Followers of Hinduism believe that if you chant mantras, then the spiritual component of a person can take the form of God, be filled with him and become his reflection.
I only know one mantra: Om mani pad me hum.
This is one of the most famous mantras in Buddhism. It has a deep sacred meaning and is endowed with many meanings.
Its literal translation: "O pearl shining in the lotus flower!"
OM - removes pride and conceit.
MA - removes jealousy and envy.
NO - removes attachment and selfish desires.
BAD (or PAD) - dispels ignorance and confusion.
ME (or ME) - dissolves greed and greed.
HUM - transforms hatred and anger.
There is a version that reading a mantra bestows prosperity, abundance and money, where:
Om means Brahma, who is beyond all unmanifest,
Mani is a gem or crystal
Padme is a lotus
Hum is the heart.
Based on these provisions, there are several interpretations of this mantra:
- "All (Om) jewels (Mani) flourish (Padme - blooming lotus) with me, who has an open heart (Hum - heart)";
- “The Universe grants prosperity and abundance to me, who accepts them with an open heart”;
- “Wealth in all its forms (precious, valued, significant) comes to those who are ready to accept it with all their being (heart)”;
- “Universal abundance fills my heart” - that is, the following understanding is embedded in the mantra: “I accept abundance with all my nature”;
- “All the money comes to me” (one of the simplest interpretations).

When Diwali is celebrated in India


Diwali lights are lit in the second half of the month of Kartika according to the Hindu calendar.
The month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar coincides with the dates of our Gregorian calendar from October 23 to November 21.
Indian Diwali falls on a full moon day.

Dates of celebration of the festival of lights of Diwali in India for the next three years:
- Diwali holiday in 2018 - November 7;
- Diwali holiday in 2019 - October 27;
- Diwali holiday in 2020 - November 14.

Tips for Traveling in India during Diwali


To avoid trouble and not overshadow your travels in India on the dates of the celebration of the Diwali festival of lights, the following should be considered:

1. Every year a huge number of tourists from different countries want to see the fiery madness. Therefore, you should think in advance about where to stay in India for this period.
2. Sleepless nights when firecrackers explode and fireworks rumble. Be prepared not to get enough sleep)
3. Tickets for train, intercity bus and even domestic flights within the country should be bought in advance. Diwali is a family holiday and Indians are actively moving around the country to celebrate the day of light and kindness with their relatives. There may not be enough tickets for everyone.
4. Prices for hotels, guesthouses, houses and villas during the celebration of Diwali rise several times.
5. It's the same with taxi prices. The tariff is increasing, just like we have on New Year's Eve
6. Many grocery stores close, so food should be bought in advance.

Travel to India to attend Diwali


Do you want to plunge into the enchanting world of the East? But in your environment, no one supports the idea of ​​Indian adventures. And there are no fellow travelers to this country.
I invite you to join our small company. We leave for India on November 5, 2018. And on November 7, 2018, in Jaipur, we will go to light the Diwali lights.
Are you with us? Detailed
Our trip will pass through the most famous cities: capital Delhi, pink Jaipur and Agra with its fabulous shrine - the mausoleum of eternal love Taj Mahal. During the trip, we will get acquainted with the outstanding masterpieces of world architecture, ancient monuments, palaces of maharajas, shrines of mysterious India.

Was with you, your Indian expert
Katya Bashkurova
I will be happy to answer your questions in the comments.

Diwali (Deepavali) in India is one of the largest Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The holiday is celebrated for 5 days in a row, the 3rd day is considered the most important - it is at this time that the Festival of Lights takes place. On the holiday, colorful fireworks are arranged, traditional dipa lamps and candles are lit around their houses to attract the goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi. Deepavali is often compared to the European New Year.

Source: hdwallpapersrocks.com

Value

The history of the Indian holiday Diwali is replete with legends, most of which relate to Hindu religious scriptures. But the main theme of the legends symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Deepavali also marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of winter. Farmers finished harvesting and traders prepared for long journeys. During this period, it becomes important to worship the goddess of abundance, wealth and prosperity Lakshmi.

Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com

The lighting of the fires at Diwali in India is of great importance. For Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Thanks to the light, the beauty of the world is revealed. And in most religions, light is a symbol of any positive experience. Thus, through the lighting of fires, liberation from negative forces is carried out: guile, violence, lust, anger, envy, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering. Lamp lighting is a form of god worship for health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and glory.

Source: stillunfold.com

Five days of Diwali

1st day: Dhanvantari Triodashi (Dhana-Triodashi)

This is the day when the god Dhanvantari was born from the ocean to bring knowledge of Ayurveda to humanity. At sunset, the Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted lamp of prasadam (food offered to the deity) to the god Yamaraja, the lord of Death, and pray for protection from premature death. This should be done near a Tulasi tree or other sacred tree that grows in the yard. It is customary to buy jewelry and dishes on this day.

Source: www.indienaktuell.de

2nd day: Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti-Diwali)

On the second day, they celebrate the victory of the god Krishna over the demon Narakasura and the liberation of the world from fear. From that day, fireworks are launched. Massage the body with oil to relieve fatigue, take a dip and rest so that you can celebrate Diwali with all your energy. According to the sastras, there is no need to light the diya lamp on this day. But some people still mistakenly believe that diya should always burn before Deepavali.

3rd day: Diwali - Lakshmi Puja

The most important day of the festival, which is Diwali day. Mother Lakshmi is worshiped on this day. It is extremely important that the house is perfectly cleaned, as the goddess Lakshmi loves cleanliness and on this day she will visit the cleanest house first. Lanterns and icon lamps are lit in the evening to attract the goddess and illuminate her path. The sounds of bells and drums are heard from the temples. Fireworks go off in the afternoon.

Source: picsdownloadz.com

Lakshmi Puja (Skt. पूजा, Pūjā - "worship", "prayer") consists of the combined worship of five deities - Ganesha (the god of wisdom and prosperity); the three hypostases of Lakshmi - Mahalakshmi (goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (goddess of books and learning), Mahakali (warrior goddess, protector from hostile forces.); Kubera (the guardian god of the treasures buried in the ground).

Source: sundayfoodapprentice.wordpress.com

4th day: Govardhana Puja

The fourth day of the festival is worship of Govardhan Hill and Bali King Maharaja. On this day, Lord Krishna raised Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokula from the wrath of Indra, and the day that King Vikramaditya was crowned. In temples, the deities are given a milk bath and dressed in shiny robes with sparkling diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious stones. Then sweets are offered to the deities, and then this prasadam is offered to those who come.

Source: naturalsceneries.blogspot.com

5th day: Yama-Dvitiya or Bhaya-duja

The last day of Diwali is dedicated to love between brothers and sisters. Sisters cook for their brothers and pray for their long life, and brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts.

Source: www.vishvagujarat.com

Diwali celebration dates

Festival dates change every year, as they depend on the lunar calendar. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali day (3rd day of the festival) falls on the new moon (Ambasya).

  • Diwali in 2016 is celebrated on October 30;
  • in 2017 - November 18;
  • 2018 - November 7;
  • 2019 - October 27;
  • 2020 - November 14.

Standard time zone in India: +6: 30

Customs and traditions of Deepavali

We will not talk about the peculiarities of preparing festive prasadam and performing puja rituals, but we will talk about some of the popular traditions and customs of the Deepavali fire festival.

Source: www.bbc.com

Lanterns and icon lamps

Dipavali literally translated from Sanskrit means "a series of lamps". So the most recognizable tradition of the festival is the lighting of a large number of small clay lamps with oil - diya (also called diya, dipa, dipam or divak). Vegetable oil or ghee is poured into the middle of the diya and a cotton wick is dipped into it. You can make such lamps yourself, just pouring a small amount of ordinary vegetable oil into a suitable form, and putting in it a long piece of cotton wool, rolled in the form of pasta. But be careful not to place lamps next to flammable objects.

Rangoli is a prayer drawing, an ornament that is applied to the floor and walls of a house. To create drawings, they use bright multi-colored powders, flour and cereals. This art is so popular in India that rangoli-making competitions are held in schools and offices. Also in houses they paint footprints with flour on the floor, which symbolizes the expectation of the arrival of Lakshmi.

Firecrackers and fireworks

The Diwali fireworks tradition is not very old, but it has already become an important part of the festival of lights. It is believed that fireworks scare away all evil in life.